O'Neill to return: Martin O'Neill has declared himself open to offers after deciding the time is right to return to management. The former Northern Ireland international has taken a year out of the game to care for his wife Geraldine, who was diagnosed with cancer. He left Celtic at the end of the 2004-05 season but claims he was eager to become England's new manager and, having missed out to Steve McClaren, is seeking a suitable club management role.
O'Neill spoke to Middlesbrough about the vacancy which became available following McClaren's elevation in the England job, and he has also been linked with Sunderland, should the Niall Quinn-led consortium take charge at the Stadium of Light. O'Neill would have relished the challenge of managing England. "It is one of the great jobs in world football," he said.
Vibes good for Quinn
Sunderland have held talks with Niall Quinn and his consortium in Dublin as moves to sell the club gather pace. Chairman Bob Murray, vice chairman John Fickling, chief executive Peter Walker and director of marketing and communications Lesley Callaghan flew to the capital on Tuesday for further discussions with Quinn and his partners.
The talks, which were held in private, took place at the Great Southern Hotel near Dublin Airport. Stock Exchange rules mean the club cannot comment on the progress or otherwise of the consortium's bid to buy out majority shareholder Murray, although it is understood the tone of latest meeting was positive.
Huth set to join Boro
Middlesbrough yesterday agreed an undisclosed fee for Chelsea defender Robert Huth. Boro, who yesterday appointed Gareth Southgate as their new manager, have also agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old German international and are now awaiting developments.
In addition, American international defender Oguchi Onyewu has been on Teesside to discuss a possible move, and Sporting Lisbon winger Roudolphe Douala could finally complete a £2 million switch later this week.
McCourt best for May
Derry City's Pat McCourt yesterday collected the Eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month award for May, writes Paul O'Hehir.
The in-form midfielder still harbours ambitions of representing Northern Ireland once more but is not exactly bullish about the prospects of manager Lawrie Sanchez picking up the phone any time soon.
At one time courted by the Republic of Ireland, he was eventually swayed by the enthusiasm former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIllroy showed in him as a youngster and, subsequently, made his senior debut when playing the last 13 minutes of the 5-0 friendly defeat at home to Spain four years ago.
Since then, though, the now 22-year-old has endured an injury-plagued career and although featuring regularly for the North's under-21 side, he has yet to force his way back into the senior mix despite eye-catching spells down south with both Shamrock Rovers and his current employers following his move from Rochdale.
Campbell to go east
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has claimed in a Turkish newspaper he is likely to join Fenerbahce this summer. Campbell, who is in Baden-Baden with the England squad ahead of the World Cup, has been linked with a move to Istanbul after a troubled season at Highbury. "The probability of me joining Fenerbahce is very high," Campbell told the Vatan newspaper.
Concerns over Lescott
Joleon Lescott is thought to be close to completing his move to Everton from Wolves. The 23-year-old defender had agreed personal terms and passed a medical at Goodison Park last week but the Merseyside club are believed to be concerned over the knee injury which ruled Lescott out of the entire 2003-04 season.
In brief . . .
Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus has left the Scottish Premier League after failing to agree terms on a new contract. Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has rubbished reports that goalkeeper Paddy Kenny requires an operation this summer.
